The teenage years can be many. Between the pressure to fit in, questions about the future, and busy schedules, finding quiet time to connect with God can feel almost impossible.
But don’t take your teenage years for granted. These are also some of the most spiritually important years a person will ever go through. The questions they ask, who they are, the faith they test are all more important than we sometimes realize at the moment.
With so much going on in their lives and important shaping taking place, it can be tricky to find the right resources to help guide them. Something that respects where they are without talking down. Something that makes God’s Word feel accessible and alive, not like one more obligation on an already full plate.
I joined Sara in my group, another teen mom, to share devotional books and Christian books for teens that we have personally read, recommended, and placed in the hands of the youth in our lives. We hope they mean as much to your youth as they do to ours.
(Also, don’t miss our guide to the best devotional and Christian books for women!)
Best Youth Devotion:
New Morning Blessings for Youth
One of our top picks for the best devotions for women – New Morning Mercies – has a youth version! This book has 366 prayers, each only one page long. They will point the youth to the wisdom and grace of Jesus, and encourage them to “love Jesus, find freedom and joy within his boundaries, and live for his glory – every day.”
Stay In These Things
This Bible lesson takes young girls to Philippians 4:4-9 to teach an easy way to memorize God’s Word. Memorizing Scripture can be a useful tool in the busy teenage years and this book will not only teach a useful method, but will encourage young girls to focus on what is true, good, and lovely.
Identity: Finding Who You Are in Christ
This 31-day youth ministry helps them explore questions such as: Who am I? What is my purpose? How does that affect my lifestyle? The teenage years are full of big questions and uncertainties, and this book will equip them to answer those questions based on God’s truth.
Looking for a Youth Bible Study
This New International Version (NIV) Bible has thousands of questions – and their answers – that young people may have about God’s Word and how it relates to their lives, their problems, and the world today. It also has a helpful introduction to each book, explaining things like who wrote the book and why, and what to look for as you read the book. If your child wants to get into the habit of reading the Bible, this Bible is a great resource!
Best Christian Books for Teens:
Something special happens when young people get even a glimpse of who God says they are. The sound quiets down a bit. The comparison loses some of its grip. And something in them begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, they are meant for more than they thought.
That’s exactly what we thought when we chose these books as our best Christian books for teenagers. These books contain stories and truths that invite young people to see themselves as deeply loved, purposefully created, and called to participate meaningfully in God’s story.
The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels About You
This short book focuses on the heart of Jesus as he himself describes it in Matthew 11:29 – gentle and humble – and the whole book feels like a warm embrace from Jesus. This is a great book to read together or for your child to read on their own, and the short chapters will fit into their busy lives.
Common Law: Youth Program
If you liked Justin Earley’s Family Habits, you’ll also love Common Law: Youth Edition. This book is adapted from his book Common Rule for adults and is best suited for students in grades 6-12. Through practices such as daily scripture reading, Sabbath rest, detoxification, exercise, and shared meals, Justin encourages youth to shape their schedules and ways for freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Courage: A Young Girl’s Guide to Beating Anxiety and Anxiety
We both loved Sissy Goff’s Raising Worry-Free Girls, and this book takes the principles of that book and presents it to teenage girls. It will equip her to understand her emotions, fight when worries arise, and live like the brave, strong, deeply loved girl God made her to be.
(Also be sure to check out the podcast episode I recorded with Sissy about her great book for parents, whether you’re raising boys or girls!)
A kiss from Katie
What started as a short-term mission trip to Uganda during her senior year of high school turned into a complete reorientation of Katie Davis’ life. Something about the people he met and their needs wouldn’t let him go – and he knew for sure that he was meant to go back. He did so. And she ended up having fifteen children and founded a ministry that served hundreds more.
If your child wants to dream big, step outside their comfort zone, and make an impact in the world, they will find this book very inspiring. We all read it as adults and it deeply affected and challenged us.
I also had the opportunity to interview Katie Davis Majors on my podcast about her new book, Safe All Along: Trading Our Fears and Anxieties for God’s Immovable Peace. I would highly recommend this book, especially if your child is struggling with anxiety or depression.
It’s just Christianity
CS Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, gave four BBC radio addresses during World War II, encouraging hope and faith in the midst of suffering, while explaining the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Those radio addresses became just the Christian religion, and they are a very good starting point for what the Christian faith believes. Whether your child questions God’s existence or goodness, or wants to grow in a successful relationship with Him, this book is great. It is also a great book to read aloud together and discuss.
And, if you like this one, you’ll also like Surprised by Joy, a spiritual memoir by CS Lewis, detailing his journey from atheism to Christianity.
The Right Book at the Right Time
The teenage years don’t last forever, but the faith built in them often does. We hope that these books will meet your youth where they are, help them find answers to the questions they may be asking, and point them to the God who loves them.
If you’re wondering how to get these books into your teen’s hands, sometimes the best way is to just hand them out and say, “I thought of you when I saw this.” They also make great gifts for Easter baskets for teenagers!
Even if they don’t start reading right away, we’ve found that young people will pick up a book when they need it. We pray that by using the pages of these books – and by taking care of yourself – your youth will know with certainty that they are seen, known, and deeply loved.
What do you think are the best prayer or Christian books for teenagers? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
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